Step forward the eighth set in Ace's mid-price series of vintage B.B. King recordings based on his albums released on the Crown label. Between 1957 and 1963, the Bihari brothers' dime store label released 12 albums, comprised of singles from their RPM and Kent labels, tracks from the vaults, plus dedicated album sessions.

Despite the "cheap and cheerful" production values, the B.B. King Crown albums became collectors' items due to the high quality of B.B.'s recordings and the eye-catching artwork. The LPs were a discographical headache until Ace was able to unravel the details.

"Singin' The Blues" was issued as Crown 5020 in spring 1957 and featured some of B.B.'s best-loved songs up to that point. The LP included four #1 R&B hits: '3 O'Clock Blues' and 'You Know I Love You' (1952), 'Please Love Me' (1953) and 'You Upset Me Baby' (1954); four other top ten hits; plus 'Blind Love' from 1953 and covers of Tampa Red's 'Crying Won't Help You' (1955) and Gatemouth Moore's 'Did You Ever Love A Woman' from 1956. To fill out the album, a superior alternate take of 'Sweet Little Angel' was included.

As with the other releases in this "Crown" series, compiler John Broven has added obscure tracks, unissued sides and alternate takes. The bonus cuts here feature B.B. with the great Maxwell Davis Orchestra. There are both sides of RPM 425: 'Jump With You Baby' / 'Lonely And Blue' and 'Ruby Lee,' all from 1955. And seeing release for the first time are five alternate takes including the originally unissued 'Whole Lotta Meat'. The listening experience blends into one, literally making this an Early Best Of B.B. King.

As John Broven observes in his notes: "In 1957 "Singin' The Blues" gave the first real indication that B.B. King was destined to be a major star. Fast forward to 2005 (almost 50 years!) and plans are afoot to celebrate B.B.'s 80th birthday year with the opening of his museum in Indianola, Mississippi, a new duets CD, two books and a BBC radio documentary. The reissue of his landmark debut Crown LP could not be better timed."

By TONY BURKETony Burke is the Editor of the long running specialist blues and R&B magazine, Blues & Rhythm. B&R celebrates its 200th issue this summer. Congratulations from all at Ace Records.

Delivery & Returns

We offer free P&P to UK addresses. For all other territories packaging is free and postage is charged on a weight basis.

We use Royal Mail First Class for UK deliveries and standard Air Mail for all other territories, very large orders will usually be sent via parcelforce.
You may cancel your order at any time prior to your order being dispatched by emailing us at orders@acerecords.com
ensuring that you quote your name, address and order reference number or by telephoning +44 (0) 208 453 1311 between 9am and 5pm GMT/BST, Monday to Friday. Please note: As music downloads are dispatched immediately after purchase, there is no possibility of cancelling these orders.

In the event that any products supplied to you by us are damaged or defective, we agree to replace or repair the damaged or defective products or refund the amount you paid for such goods (including postage & packaging) providing you notify us (either via post at or e-mail: orders@acerecords.com
) and return the goods within 28 days of purchase. Physical goods should be sent back to us in the same condition you received them to: “Returns” Bus Stop Mail Order Ltd, 42-50 Steele Road, London, NW10 7AS. Music downloads should be returned to us via the e-mail address above including a copy of your notification.

You have the right to cancel your order within seven days of purchase, or seven days of receipt of the goods (whichever is the longer). If you choose to cancel your order, full payment will be returned to you. Returned items should be sent to: “Returns” c/o Bus Stop Mail Order Ltd, 42-50 Steele Road, London, NW10 7AS. Music downloads should be returned to us via the email address: orders@acerecords.com including a copy of your notice of cancellation and order number.